Theme:
Building Bridges

We are pleased to announce the theme for TEDxWarwick 2013: Building Bridges. Connections between communities, disciplines and places are often made in the most unexpected of ways. The world is expanding and contracting at the same time: global networks proliferate, yet distance is no longer a barrier. At the same time, traditional boundaries in technology, science, art and academia are becoming increasingly blurred. Links are constantly being forged between everything from physics to photography and biology to computing. Discover what awaits the world of tomorrow at TEDxWarwick 2013.

* Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via our website, www.tedxwarwick.com *

Speakers

Director of the Creative Futures Institute and Chair of Ethics and Emerging Technologies at the University of the West of Scotland. Intensely interested in the interactions between technology, science and humanity, his recent work involves pervasive wireless connectivity, the genetics of nanotechnology and even the role of art and design in biotechnology.

Professor of statistical genetics at Oxford University and one of the researchers behind the Thousand Genome Project, designed to understand the genetic variation within human populations. Gilean believes accessing such knowledge is pivotal to understanding our history as a species.

Innovator and expert in the field of genetically evolving semiconductors (yes - he 'grows' computers). His research operates at the interface of chemistry, materials science and biology, with a sprinkling of genetic engineering.

Appearing on the BBC last summer, Stefan discovered an innovative way of halving the fat content of chocolate by replacing it with fruit juice, the technology and research behind which is applicable in everything from sensors and adhesives to food and agriculture.

The fast-moving economies of the modern world have made it increasingly difficult for central banks, investors and companies to plan ahead. Lucrezia Reichlin's state-of-the-art econometric model can reveal real-time values of economic indicators.

Founder and president of the International Centre for Earth Simulation (ICES) and a recipient of the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal. Bob's work brings together scientific, sociological and economic elements of the modern world to develop visualisations of the future of our planet.

Derek Paravicini is one of the greatest mysteries and outstanding pianists of modern times, with a musical ear so highly developed that he is able to play any piece of music, in any key and in any style, after hearing it only once.
He will be accompanied by his friend and mentor, Adam Ockleford, Professor of Music at the University of Roehampton.

Having decided to put science on the map in Birmingham, Kate published a book including contributions from over 80 regional scientists in 2010. Science, she believes, will play a vital part in building a future for humanity.

1 billion hectares of new land, or roughly the area represented by Brazil, will be needed to grow enough food to feed the world's population by 2050 if traditional farming practices continue as they are today. Dickson has developed a solution: vertical farms, situated in the heart of the world's urban centres.

With cities around the world growing at a rate of 2 people a second, 5 billion people are expected to be living in cities by 2030. Rick Robinson, an executive IT architect at IBM, works closely with regional and city government organisations to unravel the challenges faced by this rapid growth in the urban population.

The UK representative of Combatants for Peace, an organisation engaged in supporting a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestine question. Working in Palestine, Israel and the UK, Ben facilitates creative, non-violent and collaborative intervention aimed at reducing conflict in the region.

Humanity can offer generosity and compassion even under the toughest of conditions. Bob Nameng is the founder and leader of Soweto Kliptown Youth in Johannesburg, South Africa. Starting at 16, Bob has built a thriving community that provides food, shelter, education and support to over 70 children and youths.

Talented 19-year old percussionist. Having won prizes in various competitions since starting to play in 2007, Molly reached the percussion final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2012 and is widely considered to be a rising star of percussion.

Chief Executive of War Child, the UK charity dedicated to supporting children affected by conflict. War Child promotes child protection, education and livelihoods in a range of countries including Afghanistan, Iraq and The Democratic Republic of Congo.

In 1996, Tan left Singapore to work in poor, rural parts of Yunnan province, China. Over 14 years, he established a medical program, participated in water sanitation and reforestation projects and was honoured publicly by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

Quite apart from spending over a decade in television, Nikky is the Artistic Director of her own theatre company, has mentored for the RSC, Creative Partnerships and London Zoo and has a passion for education. Incidentally, she is also a qualified Pilates instructor - and previously played Laa Laa in Teletubbies.